Mexico City Bar Reaffirms its Position as a Global Mixology Hub
For the second consecutive year, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City has been named the best bar in North America, solidifying Mexico’s role as a creative powerhouse in the global mixology scene.
The Historic Event in Vancouver, Canada
The awards ceremony for the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 took place on April 29 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, marking the first time Canada hosted the event and Mexico’s second consecutive top ranking. Handshake Speakeasy, hidden in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez, once again claimed the number one spot, reinforcing that Mexican hospitality, technical precision, and creativity are unmatched.
Mexico’s Dominant Presence in the List
This year, 14 Mexican bars made the list, showcasing an unprecedented presence from the capital to cities like Oaxaca, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. The Mexico City area led the national representation with proposals that have defined the new language of Latin American mixology.
A Precisely Crafted Hidden Gem
The number one bar in North America is hidden in the Colonia Juárez. Handshake Speakeasy, now located within the NH Hotel, has preserved its clandestine and elegant atmosphere. While its menu is brief, the processes are complex: each drink can take up to two days to prepare. Bartenders Eric Van Beek and Rodrigo Urraca drive a rotating menu of cocktails with constant evolution, pushing flavor boundaries with a contained, minimalist, and deeply sophisticated aesthetic.
This approach has led Handshake to dominate the world’s most important lists. In 2024, it was named the best bar on earth by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Its position at the top is no accident; it’s the result of a hospitality proposal that emphasizes sensory experiences, technical skill, and meticulous attention to detail.
Other Mexican Bars Making History
The CDMX also celebrates third place thanks to Tlecān, a bar that honors Mexican ingredients and ancestral techniques. Bartender Eli Martínez Bello was recognized with the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025, a peer-voted accolade acknowledging leadership and impact on the cocktail community. Guadalajara’s Gallo Altanero took eighth place, solidifying its identity as one of the most forward-thinking bars in western Mexico.
Licorería Limantour, a Capital scene classic and global reference, placed ninth and received the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award for its consistency, legacy, and yearly excellence.
Additional Notable Mentions
Mexico maintained its prominence with Bar Mauro (#14), Baltra Bar (#20), Aruba Day Drink (#22) in Tijuana, Arca (#27) in Tulum, Selva (#29) in Oaxaca, Bijou Drinkery Room (#34), Hanky Panky (#35), Kaito del Valle (#40), Café de Nadie (#47), and Bekeb (#49) in San Miguel de Allende.
From the 51 – 100 list, Sabina Sabe (#54), Brujas (#65), Zapote Bar (#74) in Playa del Carmen, Ticuchi (#82), and Casa Prunes (#94) in Mexico City stood out. This notable distribution demonstrates not only the capital’s dominance in the cocktail scene but also the consistent growth of outstanding proposals across the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Handshake Speakeasy? It’s a hidden bar located in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez, currently situated within the NH Hotel. Known for its clandestine atmosphere and complex, meticulously crafted cocktails, it has been named the best bar in North America for two consecutive years.
- Why is Mexico City’s presence significant in the mixology scene? The city boasts a strong and growing presence, with 14 bars featured in the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list. Mexico City-area bars, in particular, have defined the new language of Latin American mixology.
- What awards did Mexican bartenders receive? Eli Martínez Bello of Tlecān won the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025, and Licorería Limantour received the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award for its consistency, legacy, and excellence.
- Which other Mexican bars made the list? Notable mentions include Bar Mauro (#14), Baltra Bar (#20), Arca (#27) in Tulum, Selva (#29) in Oaxaca, Bijou Drinkery Room (#34), Hanky Panky (#35), Kaito del Valle (#40), Café de Nadie (#47), and Bekeb (#49) in San Miguel de Allende.
- What does the distribution of bars from 51 – 100 indicate? It highlights Mexico City’s dominance in the cocktail scene and the consistent growth of outstanding proposals across the country.
